Economic Recovery Officer – Civil Engineer 

Duty Station [Taiz – Al Turbah-Yemen]

Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.
The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Throughout its nine field offices and a workforce of 270 staff, DRC upholds its main programmatic objectives to provide immediate and life sustaining assistance, to strengthen the protective environment, and to reduce displacement related risks and vulnerabilities by promoting self-reliance at household and community level.

About the Job:

Overall 

The Economic Recovery Officer - Civil Engineer will lead the technical design, implementation, and supervision of community infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of rural communities and reducing women's domestic workloads. Key responsibilities include the development and management of water systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and other essential infrastructure to support sustainable livelihoods and women's economic empowerment. The role will also oversee and provide technical guidance for Cash-for-Work (CfW) and rangeland management interventions, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and community recovery.

Responsibilities: 

Infrastructure and NRM Project Design and Planning

• Conduct detailed technical and feasibility assessments for community infrastructure projects, including household and community water systems and rangeland restoration activities.
• Prepare comprehensive technical designs, drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for required infrastructure, such as water tanks, solar-powered water pumping systems, water networks, protected wells, and gravity-fed springs.
• Collaborate with the Women's Sub-Water User Committees (WUCs) to identify and prioritize target communities and sites for water infrastructure and rangeland management interventions.
• Ensure that infrastructure designs are cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and suitable for Cash-for-Work (CfW) implementation where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Agronomy assistant to design and identify Natural Resources Management (NRM) infrastructures.
• Support the WUCs in the identification of degraded rangeland areas and the design of sustainable restoration activities.

Project Implementation and Supervision

• Supervise all construction, rehabilitation, and CfW activities, ensuring strict compliance with technical standards, safety protocols, and project timelines.
• Supervise and monitor on-site activities, providing technical guidance to contractors and CfW participants to ensure quality workmanship.
• Lead the technical aspects of CfW interventions, including designing tasks for participants and ensuring quality outcomes in projects like road rehabilitation and the construction of water harvesting structures.
• Work with the Supply Chain team to vet and ensure the procurement of high-quality materials for all infrastructure and NRM activities.
• Troubleshoot and promptly report any implementation challenges to the Economic Recovery Manager.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement

• Provide technical training to members of the WUCs on the operation and maintenance of water facilities, community organization, and leadership to ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
• Build the capacity of community committees and members to carry out basic maintenance of completed infrastructure assets.
• In collaboration with the project team, work with community committees to select CfW participants based on established criteria, ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity
• Support the WUCs in managing rangeland management initiatives, providing technical oversight and monitoring.

Coordination, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Coordinate closely with the Economic Recovery Manager, other officers, and assistants to ensure seamless project design and implementation.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Supply Chain departments to ensure accurate and timely payments to CfW participants and suppliers.
• Prepare and submit invoices for payments related to infrastructure works.
• Develop and submit detailed progress reports on all infrastructure, CfW, and rangeland management activities, including lessons learned and photographic evidence at all stages.
• Engage and coordinate project activities with relevant line ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI), the General Authority of Rural Water and Sanitation Project (GARWSP), and the Ministry of Public Works.
• Provide evidence-based and data-driven recommendations to inform future project proposals.
• Any other duties/tasks as per requested by line manager.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• 3-5 years of experience in rural infrastructure development and CfW implementation.
• Experience working in Natural Resources Management-related activities (Desired).
• Experience in designing water storage/harvesting tanks, water networks, solar-powered water supply systems, and retaining walls.
• Proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD, GIS tools, EPANET and structural analysis software.
• Knowledge of cash-transfer modalities, humanitarian standards, and community-driven approaches.
• Strong communication and capacity-building skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Experience with following standard procedures and guidelines.
• Ethical, trustworthy, creative, dynamic and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks, under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.   
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.   
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field (Master's preferred).

Languages:

• Arabic - fluent
• English – Intermediate is required (professional proficiency preferred)

Key stakeholders: 

• Supply chain, Finance, MEAL, Grants, Safety, Protection, CCCM, and Shelter & Infrastructure
• FSAC 
• ExU and LA
• MoAI
• Ministry of Education
• GARWSP

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until June 2026, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work as soon as possible, and be willing and able to work in Taiz- Al-Turbah City.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. This position will be placed at Band (H2- Non manager) and will be reporting to Economic Recovery Manager.